Is it possible for commercial businesses to move into the Arctic region while keeping the environment safe?
A. Governments and corporate interests are moving too fast, too soon and taking too much in the Arctic. We need to hold off on expansion of industrial activities until sufficient safeguards are in place. We need to slow down, do research, and implement scientifically sound solutions. Filling the gaps in our knowledge about complex Arctic ecosystems is a key step in building sound policy for the future. We must limit northern expansion of industrial fishing to prevent damage to habitats and food webs. Protecting fish populations and their habitats will improve their resiliency and give them a better chance to survive the added challenges of global warming. We have to carefully weigh the options for opening up new shipping routes and establish stronger safety standards. Delaying rapid expansion of oil and gas exploration will provide time to develop oil spill risk assessments and detailed plans for spill response, and will allow time to explore new policies that reduce the impact on mari
